The VFW traces its roots back to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902) founded local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service: Many arrived home wounded or sick. There was no medical care or veterans' pension for them,and they were left to care for themselves.

  

In their misery, some of these veterans banded together and formed organizations with what would become known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. After chapters were formed in Ohio, Colorado and Pennsylvania, the movement quickly gained momentum. By 1915, membership grew to 5,000; by 1936, membership was almost 200,000. 

Since then, the VFW's voice had been instrumental in establishing the Veterans Administration, creating a GI bill for the 20th century, the development of the national cemetery system and the fight for compensation for Vietnam vets exposed to Agent Orange and for veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome. In 2008, VFW won a long-fought victory with the passing of a GI Bill for the 21st Century, giving expanded educational benefits to America's active-duty service members, and members of the Guard and Reserves, fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

The VFW also has fought for improving VA medical centers services for women veterans.

Besides helping fund the creation of the Vietnam, Korean War, World War II and Women in Military Service memorials, the VFW in 2005 became the first veterans' organization to contribute to building the new Disabled Veterans for Life Memorial, which opened in November 2010.

Annually, the nearly 2 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliaries contribute more than 8.6 million hours of volunteerism in the community, including participation in Make A Difference Day and National Volunteer Week. 

From providing over $3 million in college scholarships and savings bonds to students every year, to encouraging elevation of the Department of Veterans Affairs to the president's cabinet, the VFW is there.

VFW Post 6710 History

Submitted By: Quartermaster Dennis Harris

 

               When I became a member of VFW Post 6710 in September 1970, the membership was over 300 members. There was even a few WWI Veterans, numberous WWII and a few Korean Veterans.  I was told that Clinton County Veterans once belonged to a Xenia, Greene County Post before deciding to establish a Clinton County VFW Post.

               VFW Post 6710 original Charter was April 14, 1946. Post 6710 was incorporated by the National By-Laws of the Veterans of Foreign of the United States of America on November 19, 1951. Post 6710 has been in continued existence of corporation (not for profit) since December 22, 1951. A name changes from Clinton County Post 6710 to Cpl. James H. Smithson VFW Post 6710 took place on September 1, 1982.

               Today, we’re a small Post with less than 120 members. Over the past 20 years, at this present address (1130 N. Lincoln St), its been a struggle to maintain the operation of our Post for our Veterans. I don’t know the exact dates but here are the moves that has taken place since 1970.

·       From Dalton Road to Owner of DeLucas Dugout bldg.

·       To former New Martin Hotel

·       To Commander Charles Grooms Garage on South Wall St.

·       Main School bldg., West Sugartree St.

·       To 94 North South St.

·       Finally, to our present location, 1130 N. Lincoln St.

               At our present location we have been able to pay off our mortgage, upgrade for lighting and Electrical, paint inside. We had our parking lot resurfaced, with the help of our VFW Car and Bike club we installed a Flag Memorial with all service flags. Last year we set a record year for our Poppy Sales. We are looking to upgrade our kitchen equipment and make some other repairs as needed.